Combination square



July 29, 1941- D. L. slGMoN Y 2,251,208

COMBINATION SQUARE Filed June 30, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l I -1 amava) 80.-/

July 29, 1941. D. L.' SIGMON 2,251,208

COMBINATION SQUARE Filed June 30, 1959- 5 Sheets-.Sheet 5 Patented July 29, y194i 9 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in the measuring tools of carpenters, builders and otherA mechanics, and it consists in the combination, construction and arrangements herein described and claimed.

The objects of my invention are, rst, to provide an improved carpenter square or a combination square having a minimum number of adjustable parts so arranged vas to provide all the ordinary uses to which a square may be put and also providing a level, protractor, plumb rule, miter square and an instrument conveniently constructed for scribing and gauging purposes.

Second, it is the object of my invention to provide a device of the character described which is readily adapted for use in the framing of a gable or hipped roof, whereby the Various miter cuts for the main and jack rafters or for the hip and valley rafters may be conveniently determined by a single setting of my instrument.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Figure l is a plan View oi the obverse side of an embodiment of my invention with the quadrant in two and the stock in three different adjusted positions.

Figure 2 is a plan view ci the reverse side of the invention with the quadrant and stock in two diierent adjusted positions Figure 3 is an edge elevation of the invention in closed position.

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional view, on the line 3--3 of Figure 3 passing through the spirit level.

Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view oi the clamping member on the line l-ll of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a plan View oi the center plate attached to the stock with the top plate removed.

Referring to the drawings numeral 5 represents the tongue member and numeral 5 the body member which members are connected and are disposed at a right angle with respect to each other and comprise a supporting member. Body having inner edge 2 and outer edge l, is divided longitudinally on both sides thereof into three sections. Graduations or legends having predetermined values are disposed in each of the sections so formed. There are provided on both sides of body 5 along the outer edge l, inch graduations. The said graduations are indicated by numeral t in Figure 1 and by numeral 8 in Figure 2.

Each decimal shown in the second section in- 25 nume-ral i2.

4 25, 11de 2e of pivot lug 2i Application June 30, 1939, Serial No. 282,231

dicated by numerals l and Il, Figures 1 and 2, is the equivalent of the percent expressed in the thousandths that the length of 'the main rafters of a gable roof bears to the width ofthe building,

when the main rafters of the said building are set at a pitcher rise per foot of run corresponding to the ligure in inches or half inches shown in the iirst section directly above such decimal.

Each decimal shown in the third section indilO cated by numerals I2 and I3, Figures 1 and 2, is

the equivalent of the percent that the length of the hip or valley rafter of a gable or hipped roof bears to the width of the building, when the main rafters of the said building are set at a pitch or rise per foot of run corresponding to the ligure in inches or half inches shown in the rst section directly above such decimal.

On both sides of the tongue 5 along the outer edge I5, there are provided inch graduations for a one-foot measure indicated by numerals I6 and Il, Figures l and 2L Tongue 5 is further provided on the obverse side along the inner edge i3 with a one-foot measure divided into one hundred graduations, indicated in Figure l by Each graduation represents the decimal part of. a foot measure expressed in hundredths. The corresponding equivalent in inches is shown on the graduation I6 directly opposite the markings on graduation I9.

370 On the inner edge i8 of the tongue 5 there is provided a pivot lug 20 the purpose of which will be explained later. Further, at the junction of tongue 5 and body 5 on the inner edges i8 and 2 there is provided a pivot lug 2l. A

radial arm, stock 22, is pivotailyv connected, Fig

ures 1, 2 and 5, to the supporting member formed by the tongue 5 and body 'by means of the pvot lug 2l and the pivot screw 23. The said pivot screw 23 is disposed in h ole 24 of top plate and hole 80 of stock 22. The said pivot screw 23 is fastened on the reverse side of the stock 2,2 by nut 21. The said radial arm, stock 22, has attached thereon in any suitable manner a center plate 28. 'I'he said center plate 28 has attached thereto, Figures l, 4 and 5 by means of a screw 29 a top plate 25. The said screw 29 is disposed in screw hole 3Q of top plate 25 being engaged in screw threaded hole 3l of center plate 28 and screw threaded hole 32 of stock 22.

Carried by one side of the center plate 28, Figures 4 and 6, is a spirit level 31 attached in any suitable manner in recess 33 and visible through slots 34, 35 and 35. There is further provided fad in center plate 23, Figure 5, a recess indicated by numeral 52, the purpose of which will hereinafter appear.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 5, the reverse side 38 of the part 39 of the top plate E5 and the obverse side iii of the stock 22 traverse the opposite faces of a quadrant lll.

The part 39 of the top plate 25 is provided with a slot di through which the iigures appearing on the obverse side of the quadrant 4I may be easily seen. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, there is disposed in screw hole i3 of top plate Z5 a thumb screw 5G. The said screw 5t is engaged in screw threaded hole 9 of center plate 28 and in screw threaded hole 5i of stock 22. As thumb screw d is tightened, the free end of the top plate 25 is forced downward causing the edge 33 to approach edge 54 of the recess 52. The top plate 25 is thereby caused to clamp quadrant I between the edge 3S of top plate E5 and edge zii) of the stock 22. In this manner the radial arm, stock 22, may be clamped at any desired position on the quadrant lil, and the pivoted quadrant il and the stoclr 22 fastened in adjusted position.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the auxiliary arm or quadrant il is pivotally connected to the tongue 5 by means of the pivot lug 20 and the pivot screw 65. The pivot screw [i5 is disposed in a screw hole formed at the end oi the quadrant LH, the said screw 45 being engaged in screw threaded hole i5 in pivot lug Zii. The quadrant il may be detached from the instrument by unscrewing the pivot screw t5 from the screw threaded hole 35.

The said quadrant 'i is curved at the inner edge i2 on the arc of a circle. Positioned concentric with the said arcuate inner edge d2 is the point 3l which also represents the center point of screw 23. The quadrant M further has the straight edges i3 and iii which form at the intersection thereof an angle of 135 degrees.

In order to use the certain figures scales and graduations provided on the obverse side of the quadrant Eli, the said quadrant is set as shown in Figure 1. rThe said quadrant ii in the latter position has the straight edge i3 set at an angle oi 90 degrees to the edge i3 of tongue 5, together with the edge li-i set at an angle of 45 degrees to edge 2 of body Ei. With the edges i3 and dfi set as aforesaid, the edge E5 of the quadrant di will be positioned parallel to and touching the edge 2 of body 6.

The quadrant fil, Figure 1, has the obverse side provided with scale 5S indicating the usual degree graduations. Further, there is provided the scale :T indicating the degrees between stock 22 and body (i. The aforesaid scale markings may be easily read by bringing the edge of top plate 25 into registration with the respective graduations 56, 5'! and 58.

Further, there is provided on the quadrant il the scale 59 to facilitate the laying oi of polygon sides. In operation the edge 53 of stock 22 is adjusted coincident with the line on scale 59 having the numeral indicative of the number of sides desired for the said polygon. In the adjusted position aforesaid there will be formed by the tongue 5 and stock Z2 an angie equal to the outside angle formed by the base line extended and the succeeding side of a polygon having the number of sides indicated by the numeral registered on scale E9. With the said angle thus determined the sides of the polygon may be easily and'quickly laid off.

rihere is also provided on the quadrant il the scale Eil which is similarly adapted for use in determining the angle of thc miter cuts for the polygon side.

Extending through the stock 22, Figures 1 and 2, is a straight longitudinal slot 'l2 having the center thereof indicated by the center points 'VI and iii. There is provided a screw 53, Figure 2, adapted to be inserted in the slot 'l2 from the reverse side of the stock 22. The said thumb screw Eil is engaged on the opposite side of the stock E2 in the screw threaded hole G9 of the quadrant di. As the said thumb screw 59 moves longitudinally in the slot TZ, the quadrant IH is pivoted on the thumb screw 5d and the pivot screw d, while the stock 22 is pivoted at 23.

The slot l2 is so positioned in the stock 22 that as the thumb screw i moves longitudinally therein pivoting the quadrant lil, the edge 44 will form with the edge 6l the proper angle for the side cuts of the timbers of a gable or hipped roof having the main rafters set at a rise per foot of run as registered on the graduations 'I3 and T15.

The quadrant il carries indicator notch 'I4 through the medium of which the graduations be easily read by bringing the indicator notch iii into registration with the respective graduations i3.

Upon the indicator notch T4 registering on the graduations '(3 the pitch for the main or jack rafters of a gable or hipped roof, the quadrant i and stock 22 may be readily clamped in position by tightening the thumb screw 50. Then with edge El or edge 52 of stock 22 used as a guide or runner along the timber or base line, the edge i of the body (i will indicate the plate, bottom or level cut and edge l5 of tongue 5 will indicate theA plumb, tcp and ridge cut for the main or jack rafters having the registered pitch aforesaid and edge @Ll of quadrant i will indicate the side, bevel 0r cheek cut for the said jack rafters.

The stock 2?. has further provided along the edge t the graduations 15. The quadrant Al carries the indicator notch l5 through the medium of which the graduations l5 may be easily read. Upon the indicator' notch 'l5 registering on the graduations i5 the pitch of the main or jack rafters to which the hip or valley rafters will be set, the quadrant lil and stock 22 may be readily clamped in position by tightening thumb screw 5E. Then with edge i5! or edge G2 of stock 22 used as a guide or runner along the timber or base line, edge 'l of body 5 will indicate the plate, bottom or level cut; edge l5 o1" tongue S will indicate the plumb, top or ridge cut; and edge of quadrant li will indicate the side, bevel or cheek cut for the hip or valley rafters for framing a roof having main or jack rafters set at the pitch or rise per foot of l'un registered by indicator notch 'I6 on graduations i5.

However ii the angle of inclination of a hip, valley or jack rafter is known, the plate, plumb and side cuts thereof may be conveniently deterby first placing the quadrant il in the position shown in Figure l. The radial arm 22 may then be adjusted with respect to the scale markings of quadrant di until the indicator edge 5S is placed in registration with the scale marking thereon denoting the angle of the said raiter. The auxiliary arm or quadrant il should then be pivoted so that the screw threaded hole G9 thereof is placed in engaging relationship with the releasable fastening means thumb screw 5S positioned in the slot 'l2 of the adjusted radial arm 22, as shown in Figure 2. The auxiliary arm 4I and the adjusted radial arm 22 may then be clamped in position by tightening thumb screw Eil. The plate, plumb and side cuts of the rafter in question will be indicated respectively by edge 'l of body G, edge l5 of tongue 5 and edge d of quadrant 4l as previously explained.

In order to frame the rafters for a gable or hipped roof so as to have the saine pitch as a given roof previously erected, or upon placing an addition to a building, the roof of the addition to have a like pitch to that of the roof of the prior building', it is necessary that the plumb and plate cuts for the main rafters; the plumb, plate and side cuts of the jack rafters; and the plumb, plate and side cuts of the hip or valley rafters for the new roof be determined. The foregoing may be easily, quickly and accurately determined by means of the last noted arrangement of my invention, by placing edge 'I of the body E on top of and extending along the incline of the given roof previously constructed. The said edge 'I should be placed parallel to the main rafters and should extend along the said incline upward from the end thereof to the heel or point 5l of the body L The stock 22 is then pivoted at Z3 to a horizontal position, which may be readily determined by the spirit level 3l. The ste-ck 22, in the level position, is then clamped to the auxiliary arm or quadrant ill by tightening the thumb screw E disposed in the slot 'i2 and engaged in the screw threaded hole 69. Then upon placing the instrument along a timber using edge or edge S2 of the stock 22 as a guide or runner; edge l of body will indicate the plate cut and edge l5 of tongue 5 will indicate the plumb cut for the main or jack rafters for such roof and edge :ld of the auxiliary arm or quadrant il will indicate the side cut for the jack rafters of the said roof. Moreover, it will be readily apparent that indicator notch 'M will register on graduations 'i3 the rise per foot of run of the jack or main rafters.

Moreover, if the edge i is placed along the incline of the hip or valley rafters rather than along the incline of the main rafters of the said roof as previously described, then after fastening the stock 22 in a level position and placing the instrument along a timber using edge 6i or edge 32 of the stock 22 as a guide or runner edge 'i of body S will indicate the plate cut and edge i5 of tongue 5 will indicate the plumb cut and edge d of quadrant di will indicate the side cut for the hip or valley rafters. Furthermore, notch i6 will register on the graduations I5 the rise per foot of run of the main rafters for such roof. And as previously explained with the rise per foot of run of the main rafters determined the several cuts for the jack rafters, main rafters or hip or valley rafters may be quickly determined.

Furtner, it is readily apparent that with the rise per foot of run of the main rafters thus determined, thelength of the main rafters and the hip or valley rafters for such roof may be easily computed by multiplying the width of the building by the proper factors for such rise per foot of run as indicated on body E and previously explained.

Formed at the end of the stock 22 on the obverse side thereof as shown by Figures 1, 2 and 3, is a raised part 65 having provided in the edge thereof a slot adapted to seat a part of the end of the body '6 upon the closing or bringing together of body 6 and stock 22 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. In such closed position edge 'I9 of the center plate 28 is positioned parallel to and touching edge 2 of body 6. Furthermore, top plate 25 and part 39 thereof both in part traverse a portion of the obverse side of the body 5, as shown by the broken lines in Figures 1 and 4.

Provided in the part 55 is a hole 64, Figures 1 and 2 which extends through the stock 22 and by means of which my invention is adapted for the scribing of circles. The same is accomplished by placing a nail, awl or other suitable device in and projecting through the hole Et with the point of the device adapted for the center point of the circle. Then placing a pencil or other suitable marking device in the notch 63 of the quadrant 4l, the stock 22 and quadrant 4I may be pivoted until the desired radius is obtained. The quadrant il and stock Z2 may be secured in the adjusted position by tightening the thumb screw 55 in the hole 5I forcing the top plate 25 downward clamping quadrant 4| to stock 22 as previously explained. The notch-53 may then be swung about the point inserted in the hole and the circumference of the circle formed by the marking device held in the notch 53. It is readily apparent that notch I4 in body 6 may be similarly used. Further, notches I4 and 63 are readily adaptable for scribing or gauging by using the edge 52 of the stock 22 as a guide or runner along a timber edge and placing a pencil or other suitable marking device in either or both notches.

A notch Sii is further provided at the end of the stock 22. The said notch S6 is so positioned that with the stock 22 set at an angle of 45 degrecs from the body and tongue members a line drawn through the point of the heel '5l and the notch 85 will also make an angle of 45 degrees Withthesaidbodyandtonguemembers. Thenupon placing tongue 5 and body 6 over the circumference lineof a lcircle at equal distances from the heel S'f of the square, the line as aforesaid drawn between the points 6'! and 66, will indicate the center line of the circle. The same therefore serves as a convenient means for determining the center of the circle.

It is readily apparent that a convenient plumb rule, try square and a miter square are formed by stock 22 and body yS being closed together and thumb screw 551 being disposed in the screw hole 68 of the stock 22 and engaged in the screw threaded hole 69 of the quadrant 4|. A further convenient arrangement is provided by placing the stock 22 and tongue 5 together, and pivoting the quadrant ll so that edge t3 of quadrant 4i is parallel and touching edge I8 of tongue 5. The same being fastened in the said position by disposing thumb screw 5i) in screw hole -68 of the stock 22 engaging screw threaded hole 1| of quadrant 4l,

On edge 6l of the stock 22 is provided a not-ch la :conveniently arranged so that upon the body and stock 22 being closed, Figure 1, the said notch 'iii is opposite the l2 inch graduations on the body 5. The said notch 1l! is adapted for use `in spacing joists or studding to 12 inches on centers.

There are further operations in lconnection with framing and carpentry work which may be facilitated by the use of the implement above described such as the laying off of stair carriages or stringers and other operations. However, the examples above described are deemed suhcient without attempting to describe others which will be apparent to the skilled mechanic and carpeuter.

lt will be readily understood that minor changes in the size, form and construction of the various parts of my invention may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of my invention the scope of which is set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. The combination with a square having body and tongue members, of a radial arm having scale markings thereon substantially as shown and described, a quadrant shaped arm pivotally attached to the tongue member aforesaid, and the said quadrant shaped arm having a pivotal and slidable connection with the said radial arm, the said quadrant shaped arm having provided a straight outer edge adapted to form with the radial arm the angle of the side cut for hip, valley and jack rafters of a gable roof when the body member and radial arm aforementioned are adjusted to the angle of inclination of the said rafters, and means provided on the said quadrant shaped arm for registering on the scale marl:- ings provided on the radial arm aforesaid.

2. The combination With a square having body and tongue members, oi a radial arm pivotally attached to the said square, the said radial arm having scale markings and a spirit level provided thereon, an auxiliary arm pivotally attached to the tongue member aforesaid and the said auxiliary arm having a sliding connection with the said radial arm and having indicator' means adapted to register on the scale markings provided on the radial arm aforesaid, the rise of the main rafters of a gable roof, when the body member is set along the incline of a valley rater of a gable roof and the radial arm is pivoted to a level position as registered by the spirit level mounted on the said radial arm.

3. The combination with a square having a body and a tongue disposed at right angles to each other, of a quadrant shaped arm pivoted to the said tongue, the said quadrant shaped arm having straight outer edges forming at the juncture thereof a xed angle, and having an inner edge formed on the arc of a circle, a radial arm pivoted at a point concentric with the said arcuate inner edge, the radial arm aforesaid having a longitudinal slot therein and scale markings at opposite sides of the said slot substantially as shown and described, a screw slidably positioned in the said slot, the said screw pivotally engaging the said quadrant shaped arm, the said quadrant having indicator notches adapted to register on the scale markings pro-- vided on the radial arm at opposite sides of the slot aforesaid.

4. The combination with a square having body and tongue members, of a radial arm pivotally attached to the said square, the said radial arm having scale markings and a spirit level provided thereon, a quadrant shaped arm pivotally attached at one end to the tongue member aforesaid and the opposite end of the said quadrant shaped arm having a pivotal and slidable connection with the said radial arm, and means provided on the said quadrant shaped arm adapted to register on the scale markings oi the radial arm aforesaid.

5. The combination with a square having body and tongue members, of an auxiliary arm pivotally attached at one end to the tongue member aforesaid, a radial arm having a spirit level mounted thereon, the said radial arm having a pivotal connection with the auxiliary arm aforesaid, the said auxiliary arm having a straight outer edge, and means adapted to pivot the said auxiliary arm in such a manner as to cause the said outer edge to form with the radial arm the angle of the side cut for hip, valley and jack rafters when the body member is set along the incline of the said rafter for which the side cut is desired and the radial arm is pivoted to a level position as registered by the spirit level mounted on the said radial arm.

6. The combination with a square having body and tongue members, of a radial arm pivotally attached to the said square, the said radial arm having scale markings and a spirit level provided thereon, an auxiliary arm having the shape substantially of a quadrant and the said auxiliary arm having a straight edge, the said auxiliary arm pivotaily attached to the tongue memaioresaid and the said auxiliary arm having pivotal and slidable connection with the said radial arm and having indicator means adapted to register on the scale markings provided on the radial arm aforesaid the rise of the main rafters of a gable roof when the body member is set along the incline of a valley or hip rafter oi a gable roof and the radial arm is pivoted to a level position as registered by the spirit level mounted on the said radial arm, the said radial and the said straight edge of the said auxiliary arm being thereby positioned in such a manner as to cause the said straight edge of the said auuiliary arm to form with the said radial arm an angle equal to the angle of the side cut of the said hip or valley rafter and the said raial arm to form with the said body member an angle equal to the angle of the plate out of the said rafter, and the said radial arm to form with the said tongue member an angle equal to the angle of the plumb cut of the said rafter.

7. The, combination with square having a body a tongue disposed at right angles to each other, oi an auxiliary arm having the shape substantially ol a quadrant, and the said auxiliary arm having a straight outer edge and an inner edge formed on the arc of a circle, the said auxiliary arm having one end thereof pivotally connected to the aforesaid tongue member, a radial arm pivotally connected to the said square at a point concentric with the said arcuate inner edge of the said auxiliary arm, releasable means slidably and pivotally connecting the other end of the said auxiliary arm to the said radial arm, and a spirit level mounted on the said radial arm in such a manner as to indicate when the said radial arm is positioned in a level position whereby when the body member is set along the incline ol a hip, valley or jack reiter ol a gable roof and the radial arm is pivoted to a level position as registered by 'the said spirit level, the straight edge oi the auxiliary arm is thereby positioned in such a manner as to form with the radial arm an angle equal to the angle of the side out of the said hip, valley or jack rafter, and the said radial arm is positioned in such a manner as to 'form with the said 'cody member an angle equal to the angle oi the plate cut of the said hip, valley or jack rafter,

attached to the said square, an auxiliary arm having the shape substantially of a quadrant, a series of scale markings provided on the said auxiliary arm, and indicator means provided on the said radial arm adapted to register on the said scale markings, the said auxiliary arm pivotally attached to the tongue member aforesaid, and the said auxiliary arm having a straight edge, and releasable means for connecting the said auxiliary arm with the said radial arm, whereby the straight edge of the said auxiliary arm will be adapted to form With the radial arm the angle of the side cut, and the body member will be adapted to form With the said radial arm the angle of the plate cut, and the said tongue member Will be adapted -to form with the said radial arm the angle of the plumb cut for a hip, valley or jack rafter of a gable roof having a rafter rise as registered on the scale markings aforesaid, upon the said radial arm being rst adjusted in registering relationship with the said scale markings so as to indicate thereon the rise of the roof rafter and then the said auxiliary arm being so adjusted as to be connected With the said adjusted radial arm by the releasable connecting means aforesaid.

9. The combination comprising a supporting member, a radial arm member pivotally attached to the said supporting member, an auxiliary arm having a pivotal connection With one of the said members, and releasable means for connecting the said auxiliary arm to the other member, the said auxiliary arm having the shape substantially of a quadrant, a series of scale markings provided on the said auxiliary arm, and indicator means adapted to register on the said scale markings, and the said auxiliary arm having a straight edge adapted to form with the radial arm an angle equal to the angle of the side out for a hip, valley or jack rafter of a gable roof having a rafter rise as registered by the said indicator means on the scale markings aforesaid.

DALLAS L. SIGMON. 

